What is a Georgian tea caddy?

A Georgian tea caddy is a lockable wooden container produced during the 18th and early 19th centuries, designed specifically to store valuable loose tea leaves safely.

What materials were traditionally used in Georgian tea caddy construction?

These caddies were typically constructed from mahogany or satinwood, often featuring delicate marquetry inlays, boxwood stringing, and bone or brass escutcheons.

How can you identify an authentic Georgian tea caddy?

Authentic pieces feature hand-cut dovetail joints, natural timber shrinkage over time, period-correct lock mechanisms, and remnants of original foil linings inside.

How do you style an antique tea caddy in a modern interior?

Display the tea caddy on a sideboard, bookshelf, or console table alongside modern ceramics or art books to create a layered, eclectically curated display.

How should an antique mahogany tea caddy be preserved and maintained?

Dust regularly with a dry microfibre cloth and apply a quality beeswax polish twice a year, keeping the item away from direct sunlight and severe humidity changes.

for sale €140 $152

£120

Antique and Unique

Sellingantiques Verified Since May 2023

View Dealers Stock Page

Relevant Links

Sheraton Tea Caddy

Vintage Tea Canister Box

Georgian Inlaid Tea Caddy

Id #SA1207826

PDF

SAVE

Georgian Mahogany Inlaid Tea Caddy

Name: Georgian Mahogany Inlaid Tea Caddy
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1207826
Price: 120 GBP
Availability: InStock

18th century

For Sale by Antique and Unique

Description

A late 18th century mahogany tea caddy with very pretty oval inlaid details to the top and front, with boxwood stringing to the corners. The mahogany has a lovely rippled effect and contrasts well with the inlays…

Condition: I think there would have been a handle to the centre of the lid originally - there are marks consistent with what a drop type handle would leave behind, and a small central hole to the inlay. The internal lids are missing. Some minor surface wear but in good condition overall.

Dimensions:

Width - 18.5cm

Depth - 11.2cm

Height - 12cm

Free UK delivery - the item will be sent using a tracked and signed for service. If you would like a quote for delivery elsewhere please get in touch.

Physical Dimensions

Height

12cm (4.72")

Width

18.5cm (7.28")

Depth

11.2cm (4.41")

Declaration

Antique and Unique has dated this Georgian Mahogany Tea Caddy to the Georgian era.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1207826

Dealers Notes

Please note that delivery of all items is included for UK mainland deliveries only. If you are in the EU or the USA smaller/postable items will show a price including delivery. DELIVERY FOR ANY LARGER ITEMS, OR ITEMS OF FURNITURE, IS NOT INCLUDED OUTSIDE OF THE MAINLAND UK. Please get in touch for a quote for delivery, or if you have any queries.

This is an antique item and as such may have signs of wear in accordance with its age. Anything that we think is of note will have been mentioned above, but please study the photos carefully to satisfy yourself as to its condition as it is not possible to list every little mark or flaw. We are happy to provide high resolution photographs or videos if required, and answer any questions you may have - just get in touch! We accept returns for all items providing the item is returned in the same condition as when it was sent. The cost of any return postage or delivery is the responsibility of the buyer, unless the item has arrived damaged or has not been described accurately.

Description

fig 1. A rectangular Georgian mahogany tea caddy featuring delicate marquetry oval inlays, fine stringing around the edges, and a bone keyhole escutcheon. — fig 1. Georgian Mahogany Inlaid Tea Caddy

Condition: I think there would have been a handle to the centre of the lid originally - there are marks consistent with what a drop type handle would leave behind, and a small central hole to the inlay. The internal lids are missing. Some minor surface wear but in good condition overall.

fig 2. A rectangular Georgian mahogany tea caddy featuring delicate marquetry oval inlays, fine stringing around the edges, and a bone keyhole escutcheon. — fig 2. Georgian Mahogany Inlaid Tea Caddy

Dimensions:

Width - 18.5cm

Depth - 11.2cm

Height - 12cm

Free UK delivery - the item will be sent using a tracked and signed for service. If you would like a quote for delivery elsewhere please get in touch.